FDA closes 13 food stalls at Old Goa fair

Panaji: The directorate of food and drugs administration (FAD) on Thursday shut down 13 stalls making biryani, chaat, golas and sherbet, and kebabs, among others at the Old Goa fair.
During the enforcement drive, it was found that despite FDA and panchayat directives, the vendors were cooking in open areas under unhygienic conditions. They were found disposing of food waste and water behind stall areas, creating a noxious environment, FDA said.
This was also brought to the notice of the Corlim health officer. The FDA also wrote to the Old Goa police seeking their assistance in maintaining a strict check on the stalls that were shut.
The FDA has deputed a team to carry out strict checks on December 2 and 3 to ensure that all stalls observe proper hygiene norms.
The checks were carried out by designated officer Richard Noronha, senior food safety officer Rajaram Patil and food safety officer Atul Desai Vishwas Rao and Noisin Mulla.
The FDA has appealed to the public not to patronise stalls not observing proper hygiene.